Dhaka: Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said new challenges call for enhanced security cooperation between armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh and India with a close coordination on the ground.

‘Terrorism poses a challenge to the fabric of our societies and the very aim of these groups is to undermine any positive development,’ he said mentioning that Bangladesh is an invaluable partner in their fight against terrorism.

Shringla made the remark while delivering speech, titled, ‘Contemporary India, its Foreign Policy, Security Strategy and Bangladesh-India Relations’, at the National Defence College, Bangladesh, amid growing security concerns globally.

The diplomat said regional peace and stability are extremely important against the backdrop of enhanced economic cooperation and talked about ‘common battle’ against terrorism which seeks to undermine peace and development in the region.

Shringla laid emphasis on security cooperation between both the countries, including exchange of information and apprehending criminals.

He said his Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that India will stand by Bangladesh against terrorism and is willing to offer any support required in this regard.

Commandant, National Defence College, Lt Gen Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, Bir Bikrom was, among others, present.

Conveying heartfelt condolences for the terrorist attacks in Bangladesh earlier this month that took the lives of so many innocent people, the High Commissioner said the Armed Forces played a valiant role in effectively subduing the terrorists.

‘We salute your contribution and commitment towards peace and stability in your country,’ he said mentioning that their Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already gone on record to convey that Bangladesh is not alone in its fight against terrorism and people of India stand with Bangladesh.

Shringla said terrorism has emerged as a major challenge and India has faced the challenge of cross-border terrorism since the 1990s while 26/11 (2008) was another major eye-opener.

India, he said, has also called for strengthened efforts to prevent supply of arms to terrorists, disrupt terrorist movements, curb and criminalise terror financing; secure cyber space and minimise the use of internet and social media for terrorism and radicalization.

The diplomat observed that Bangladesh has also faced some serious challenges from terrorism.

Mentioning that India and Bangladesh share a special relationship, he said there is an understanding in India that India can only prosper if Bangladesh prospers.

‘Our foreign policy goals are common: it is to meet our development requirements; to fight the scourge of terrorism and extremism which seeks to destroy the fabric of our societies. India and Bangladesh are partners in progress and development,’ he added.Shringla said his Prime Minister’s visit to Bangladesh in June 2015 was one of his most successful visits anywhere in the world.

Bangladesh and India amicably settled the Land Boundary issue which had been pending for 68 years last year, he said adding that settling of the land and maritime boundaries has opened up new avenues in bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting growing connectivity cooperation, the High Commissioner said the motor vehicle agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) is a new paradigm in connectivity which will ensure easier movement of vehicles.

‘Coastal shipping has been operationalised-and the first ship sailed from Chittagong to Vishakhapatnam in March this year. In June, India-Bangladesh trans-shipment was inaugurated between India and Bangladesh and the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade operationalised,’ he mentioned.